Two anti-corruption groups have filed a complaint in France against Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his relatives, seeking an investigation into allegations of financial crimes, including money laundering, according to a document reviewed by a media outlet. Mikati stated in a release from his office that he has not been officially informed of the complaint and that his family's wealth has been acquired transparently and in accordance with the law. The statement added that the allegations are part of a "media campaign" aimed at "slandering his state (the Prime Minister) and family members."
The complaint was submitted on April 2 to the French financial prosecutor's office by the two anti-corruption groups: the NGO Sherpa, which combats financial crime, and a collective of victims of fraudulent and criminal practices in Lebanon. The French financial prosecutor's office stated it could not confirm receipt of the complaint at this time and declined to provide further comments.
The complaint addresses a range of companies and properties owned by Mikati and his relatives in France or registered in other countries, claiming that they require further investigation regarding alleged money laundering and receiving stolen goods. Sherpa's lawyer, William Bourdon, stated in a press interview on Thursday, "This is the type of inevitable consequence of being a billionaire politician; you consider your position as a protection against prosecution."
Bourdon also expressed his expectation that an investigation will be opened, which will also address connections between Mikati and former Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Riad Salameh, whose tenure ended last year after 30 years at the bank. A press statement from Sherpa released on Thursday noted that "the complaint draws attention to financial transfers between the former Prime Minister and his relatives and the Central Bank of Lebanon.” Mikati’s office stated, "He confirmed that what the family possesses as a result of its long-standing business activities is characterized by full transparency and adherence to applicable laws, and by the highest ethical principles."
